The Inlaks-Ravi Sankaran Internship for Field Biology, Ecology & Conservation

1. The programme will support 1-2 candidates.

2. Funding provided includes a living allowance, internship fees (if any), and return airfare up to USD 10,000 in total.

3. The internship must be for a duration of minimum 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months.

4. It must be utilised within nine months of the date of award, with a university research group, NGO, government agency or organization known for its work in conservation science and practice abroad

1. The applicant must be an Indian passport holder currently residing in India.

2. The applicant must be born on or after 1st January 1996.

3. The applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject.

4. They must demonstrate deep interest in wildlife ecology and conservation through prior involvement in this field and their commitment to conservation and strongly justify how the opportunity will further conservation in India.

5. The Foundation particularly seeks young applicants with bold and unconventional ideas for tackling conservation problems.

When the opportunity is open to new applications, clicking the 'Apply Now' link at the top of the page will provide access to the application form.

If the opportunity is closed and not accepting applications the 'Apply Now' link will not be visible.

The "Apply Now" button at the top of the page will lead you to the application form on our online application system.

The application form consists of 4 sections:

1. Personal Details

2. Academic Details

3. Professional Details

4. Details of Internship which includes the following among other details:
   - A letter of acceptance from the host institution
   - Two reference letters

Please ensure that your reference letters are submitted before the deadline for your application to be considered as complete. A request for Letter of Reference can be shared even when your form is in draft mode by entering your referee's email address and then clicking on "Send Request Now"

1. All the applications will be screened by a committee of experts and shortlisted candidates will be informed by end of April 2026.

2. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview in the First week of May 2026.

1. The Internship recipients must submit a detailed report at the end of their internship. The report must contain an accounting of funds spent.

2. Recipients will retain all rights over information generated during the tenure of the opportunity. They must acknowledge support received from the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation when and where they publish this work.

Dr. Ravi Sankaran (Oct 4, 1963–Jan 17, 2009) was an ornithologist who dedicated his life to biodiversity conservation throughout India, as a researcher, teacher, mentor, and finally, Director of the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History.

In the 1980s, as a graduate student at the Bombay Natural History Society, Ravi gained recognition for his pioneering research on the endangered Lesser Florican in western India. His research provided the basic framework for conservation of this endangered species, and of other species and habitats he studied subsequently. He was a tremendous source of inspiration to colleagues and students, and a prominent figure in the field of wildlife conservation in India.

In recent years his research focus was on the Andaman & Nicobar islands, a system with many threatened species including the Nicobar Megapode and the Indian Edible-nest Swiftlet. Ravi’s work on the Swiftlet provided crucial insights for the conservation of this species, and he was deeply involved in developing community-based conservation efforts including ranching / sustainable harvesting of these birds’ nests. This approach is radically different from the dominant preservationist approach in India, and illustrates Ravi’s distinct and balanced perspective on conservation.

Discover Inlaks alumni across opportunities, years and programmes they were supported for.

Discover Inlaks alumni across opportunities, years and programmes they were supported for.